Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs UTEP Miners 9/29/2023 Week 5 Picks, Predictions and Forecast

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs UTEP Miners 9/29/2023 – This week, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are hitting the road to face off against the UTEP Miners in El Paso, Texas. Both teams are hungry for a win as they look to improve their records in what promises to be a competitive matchup. The college football predictions today are updated below with the latest money line and betting trends.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs enter this game with a record of 2-3, having suffered two consecutive losses, including a 14-point defeat to Nebraska. Offensively, the Bulldogs have been somewhat inconsistent this season, averaging 27.6 points per game while accumulating 392.8 yards. On the defensive side, they have faced challenges, allowing nearly 29 points and almost 390 yards per game.

The UTEP Miners, on the other hand, have had their share of struggles this season with a 1-4 record, including a three-game losing streak. In their most recent outing, they suffered a 17-point loss to UNLV, where their defense faced significant issues, giving up 497 yards, including 307 on the ground, as UNLV managed to score 45 points. While the UTEP offense managed just over 300 yards, they could only muster 28 points due to three costly turnovers.

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Bulldogs	+1 (-105)	-102	52.5 o (-110)
Miners	-1 (-115)	+118	52.5 (-110)

LA Tech FB Press Conference | Week 5 (UTEP)https://t.co/LQRgGMv41C

— LA Tech Football 🏈 (@LATechFB) September 27, 2023

Sonny Cumbie vs Dana Dimel

Leading Louisiana Tech’s offense is quarterback Bachmeier, with 756 yards and five touchdowns on 70 completions. In the backfield, Keith Willis Jr. leads with 240 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. While Tyre Shelton has 214 yards and two scores on 21 touches. In the receiving department, Smoke Harris leads the team with 361 yards and three touchdowns on 34 receptions this season.

Quarterback Gavin Hardison had a challenging game, completing just 14 of 31 passes for 225 yards. The rushing attack was led by Torrance Burgess Jr., who had 99 yards and one score on 19 carries, while quarterback Gavin Hardison contributed with two rushing touchdowns on 10 carries. Kelly Akharaiyi led the UTEP receiving corps with 92 yards on four receptions.

Both teams have encountered difficulties this season, but when assessing the matchup, Louisiana Tech emerges as the stronger overall team. With UTEP struggling on their home field, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to control the game on both sides of the ball. Their offense, led by Hank Bachmeier, is poised to overpower the Miners, ultimately leading to a win and cover.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Louisiana Tech is eager to end its 15-game road losing streak, making this game all the more important for them. With strong defense and efficient offense, the Bulldogs have a good chance to secure a victory and reach a .500 record.

NCAAF Latest Odds: UTEP -1.5 ; O/U 52.5

Digging deeper into the statistics, Louisiana Tech’s offensive firepower revolves around Hank Bachmeier’s 66 percent completion rate. He’s thrown for 756 yards, five touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Smoke Harris and Cyrus Allen have been reliable targets, amassing 607 receiving yards and five touchdowns combined. The Bulldogs’ ground game, averaging 154.6 yards per contest, is led by Keith Willis Jr. with 240 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, Louisiana Tech has been allowing an average of 28.8 points and 388.8 yards per game. Myles Heard leads with 50 tackles, Deshon Hall Jr. has two sacks, and Jhamal Shelby Jr. has one interception for UTEP.

For UTEP, Gavin Hardison has completed 56.6% of his passes for 947 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The receiving duo of Kelly Akharaiyi and Jeremiah Ballard has combined for 460 yards and two touchdowns. Torrance Burgess Jr. has been the leading rusher, accumulating 298 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Miners have been allowing an average of 29 points and 403.4 yards per game. Tyrice Knight leads with 66 tackles, Maurice Westmoreland has two sacks, and Trez Moore has one interception.